“You’ve been good to me the last few months,” he continues. “I’d like you to spearhead the next artifact shipment once you learn the ropes.”
I keep my body very still. I can’t tense up or show any sort of emotion to his words, even if every molecule in my body screams at me to run to call Kellen.
“I’d be honored.” I bow my head in acceptance instead. This may be the big break we need. The thing that allows me to call in the calvary and end this once and for all.
“I need you to keep this to yourself for the time being. Nico has been distracted by the flashy things that come with position, and it’s becoming … problematic.”
I nod. It may be a test, but it’s one I plan to pass.
“Once this set is over, the artifacts will be delivered shortly. Make sure Nico is timely. You’ll be in charge of bringing the items to my apartment.”
My stomach churns with all the new doors that have been opened.
“I’ll discuss it more with you then.” Then he’s gone.
My eyes frantically clock the exits—a nervous habit from back when I started in this job.Front, back through the dressing rooms, side door that leads to the ally.I repeat that a few times as my eyes track each one. Once my breathing settles, I look back at the stage to see Nova finishing up her routine. Her eyes latch onto mine once more, and instead of confidence, I see anger. Pure rage radiates from her, throwing me for a loop. When she heads off the stage, I stand and follow her to the back.
I have to look for whomever is delivering the artifacts anyway, so I might as well make it seem like I’m out for something more nefarious. Hopefully, I can catch a glimpse of them in the backhallway while making it seem like I’m just having an innocent conversation with one of the dancers.
Tonight, real progress begins.
Chapter 2
Nova
The first guy that’s flagged my poor, lonely libido in far too long is connected to the man I want to kill.
Isn’t that just my luck?
The rage I feel isn’t new, but the disappointment is. I’ve been on this path for over a year now, and I’ve nevereverlooked at the pieces of shit at Bella’s as anything other than pieces of the puzzle. I know they are all connected to Oscar Cano in some way, so that does a good job of making sure I keep on task. But this one? The man with the overgrown blond beard? I was hopeful he was an anomaly.
This is why I have vibrators. I can’t trust any man as far as I can throw him.
The only one I could trust is the sole reason I’m here. My twin brother, Charlie. His life took a detour at the hands of Cano, and my life as I knew it stopped in its tracks. Now Charlie’s dead, and the only thing I have left in my soul is hatred. And revenge.
It was stupid to think I would get any reprieve from it all in the name of good sex. It probably wouldn’t have even been good, honestly.
“Nova! Visitor!” one of the bouncers calls out. I named that one Thing 1. The concept of visitors back in our dressing room isn’t out of the norm, but for me specifically, it is. I don’t see men off the stage. I don’t domorefor more money. Thing 1 and 2 know this, so I’m not entirely sure why they don’t just tell this asshole to fuck off.
“I don’t do that,” I yell back, not in a hurry to answer the call.
The T-shirt dress hanging in my locker is as easy as it is boxy. It’s a deterrent when I leave here, telling anyone who crosses my path that I’m not open for business. There are plenty of women here at Bella’s who are, and more power to them, but I’m not one of them. My “debt” is bullshit. It’s incredible what drug kingpins let slide when they think it’ll bring more money into their pockets. No one questioned why I just showed up one day saying I needed to pay off debt. They saw dollar signs and never actually checked to see if it was real. I played them like fools, and I’m hoping to do so again when I get in the presence of Oscar Cano, so I can finally get revenge for Charlie and take a deep breath.
Peace. I’m hoping for peace … finally.
“Nova! Now!” Thing 2 yells so loudly I’m sure you can hear him from the stage.
“Jesus,” I mutter. “Coming.”
I’m scrolling on my phone as I walk over to the door, hoping the disinterest is clear as day.
A throat clears. “Nova.” The voice is smooth and deep, sending shivers down my spine.
The glance up freezes me in place.It’s him. The blond hottie who was talking to Cano.
“Can I help you?” I infuse as much snark and annoyance as I can into my voice.
“Actually, yes. Would you mind talking with me in the back? I don’t want to intrude in the dressing room.” He nods to thewomen behind me, who are changing and have zero concept of shame anymore.
